Trichy's Multi-Utility Facility Centre Set for Major Commercial Transformation
In a significant urban development move, the Trichy Corporation is poised to repurpose its expansive 5.2-acre Multi-Utility Facility Centre (MUFC) complex located near Panjapur KKBT. The facility, which has seen over 90% completion of its construction work, is now slated to be transformed into a fully air-conditioned mall featuring a diverse array of retail shops and food outlets. This ambitious project, developed at a cost of 144.5 crore, represents a strategic shift towards enhancing commercial infrastructure in the region.
Public-Private Partnership Model Drives Development
The Trichy Corporation has officially floated a tender to identify a private agency that will operate and maintain the MUFC complex for a period of 15 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. According to officials, the selected bidder will be responsible for managing the four-floor facility in exchange for a share of the revenue generated through property rentals. This approach aims to leverage private sector efficiency while ensuring sustainable maintenance and operation of the complex.
Key features of the MUFC complex include:
- Provision for parking approximately 80 cars and 200 two-wheelers, addressing urban mobility needs.
- A newly completed pedestrian bridge that links the top floor of the Panjapur city bus terminus directly to the MUFC, improving accessibility for commuters and visitors.
- The first floor dedicated to 36 retail shops and 10 eateries, with the second, third, and fourth floors each offering 644 square meters of space for commercial use.
Strategic Location and Commercial Viability
The MUFC complex's prime location in front of the KKBT and along the Trichy-Madurai National Highway has already attracted considerable interest from multiple bidders. A source familiar with the developments highlighted that an air-conditioned mall model is deemed highly suitable for commercializing the facility, given its visibility and connectivity. This move is expected to boost local economic activity and provide a modern shopping and dining experience for residents and travelers alike.
Officials have indicated that the facility is likely to be commissioned before the model code of conduct for the upcoming assembly elections comes into effect, underscoring the urgency and priority of this project. The final bidder is set to be identified by February 20, marking a critical milestone in the timeline.
This development aligns with broader trends in urban planning, where public assets are increasingly leveraged through PPP models to foster commercial growth and infrastructure sustainability. The Trichy Corporation's initiative not only aims to maximize the utility of the MUFC complex but also sets a precedent for future projects in the region, potentially influencing similar endeavors across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
